How can rail freight transportation be made quicker and easier? At this year’s transport logistic trade fair in Munich, VTG will be presenting digital solutions and technical innovations that will make processes more efficient, increase the availability of information and thereby increase the appeal of rail as a mode of freight transportation. From June 4 through June 7, visitors will have the opportunity to speak with representatives from all divisions within VTG – Wagon Hire, Rail Logistics and Tank Container Logistics – and learn more about new services and technologies.
VTG FastTrack: short-term hire also to be made available from Rotterdam
Since summer 2018, VTG’s customers have been able to hire container wagons ad-hoc online to manage short-term spikes in demand or process unplanned freight consignments by rail. In the past, VTG FastTrack has only been available for transportation leaving from the Port of Hamburg. In future, the service will also be available in Rotterdam, Netherlands, thereby improving the port’s hinterland connection. Using the well-established online platform, fasttrack.vtg.de, customers can book a block train with intermodal cars around the clock, 365 days a year! The rolling stock, with a total loading volume of 86 TEU and measuring 611 meters in length, is ready for operation at the Port of Rotterdam and can be deployed at short notice, subject to availability.
Digital services to optimize transportation and maintenance
VTG announced the VTG Connect service at the end of 2016 and, in doing so, launched its major new digitization strategy. Visitors to transport logistic can have the opportunity to get up to speed on the latest developments. Alongside equipping the entire European wagon fleet with telematics modules – the VTG Connector – the company's digitization initiative now also includes various solutions that simplify the daily operations of expert rail personnel and that streamline processes for customers. With the Wheelset App, for example, wheelsets equipped with sensors are digitally coupled to a wagon, making it possible to see which wheelsets are on the move at any given time and the train formation they are in – this is very helpful, in particular when dealing with changes in gauge, such as when traveling to and from Spain. The position indicator within the Wagon Repair App (WRApp) enables mobile service teams to locate any wagons in need of repair quickly at large facilities or in the field. Relevant order documents are made available digitally, thus speeding up the documentation process.
In addition to these applications, VTG is presenting an interesting pilot project in the predictive maintenance field that aims to detect damage to wheelsets before they cause any downtime. For this purpose, VTG evaluates data that the Swedish national infrastructure operator, Trafikverket, collects on rail freight routes throughout Sweden by deploying sensors on the tracks. These sensors detect when a wheel is not running smoothly – a possible sign of wear or damage. Once the first evidence of chipping or wheel flats is detected, the system, developed in cooperation with Swedish start-up company eMaintenance365, issues an alert. This enables maintenance work to be planned at an early stage and avoids unforeseen wagon breakdowns, thus making transportation more reliable while simultaneously reducing costs.
Technical innovations to increase economic efficiency
How can rail freight transportation become quieter, more economical and more energy efficient? This is the very issue addressed by the German Federal Ministry of Transport’s “Innovative Freight Car” project. In a working group with DB Cargo, VTG has developed four different wagon models and tested a total of 27 innovative components. Visitors to the trade fair can view the same tank car from this successful project in the outdoor exhibition area. The VTG Concept Car will also be on display there again – this is the carrying car on which VTG has already presented a wide range of technical developments in the past. The wagon is tailor-made to handle combined transport requirements and has a maximum load capacity of 72 tons. It will be on display at the trade fair alongside a 45′ tank container – this is a particularly high loading volume for transporting a wide variety of chemical goods economically.
At a glance: VTG at transport logistic
Hall B6, booth 322
Digital solutions: VTG Connect, Fleet Table and various projects and apps
Come and meet representatives from all of VTG’s divisions and find out all about our digital transport and maintenance optimization solutions.
Open-air site, track 3/1:
Innovative tank car and Concept Car, representation of VTG subsidiary Waggonwerk Brühl
Learn about technical innovations along with Waggonwerk Brühl’s repair and maintenance services and meet up with your contacts at the VTG beer garden or in the conference car.
ITCO Village, hall B4, booth 221/322
Information about global tank container transportation
Come and speak to our colleagues who will gladly discuss any tank container logistics-related topics with you.